Expert: Chip Aki - 11/17/2009

Question
I recently bought a new ball for a league I joined.  I had not bowled in a league for a number of years.  I picked up a house ball at the beginning of the league and was throwing a hook with it.  I had not been using the finger tip grip, but developed an average of about 180.  I decided to get myself a new ball and the guy at the pro shop suggested going to a finger tip grip.  The pro shop guy did not watch me throw but two balls and drilled my new ball (Tropical Storm).  Last night was the first time I used the ball and I bowled probably 5 games total with it. I rolled some decent scores but never over 170.  I felt like I had to throw the ball with a lot more energy then previously and after wards I have blisters and skin sores on my middle and ring finger tips.  I'm a little concerned that the pro shop guy did not observe me enough to position the holes and was wondering if the sores on my hand are an indication of this.   I spoke with him and he said it was just because I threw so many balls.

Thanks

Answer
When you were using the house ball, were you using your thumb?  It is usually harder to throw a hook with those than the Tropical Storm.
Does the Tropical Storm have finger inserts?  If so, they may be too tight.  Even if you dont use inserts, if the holes are too tight it can cause the problems you are having.
I am a believer that if there is pain then there is a problem and it needs to be looked at.  If there is another pro shop near you have them take a look at it if the shop you got the ball drilled at does not help you with the problem.

Good luck,
Chip